Blues help Ash have a weekend to remember
Ash James has had quite the weekend having seen his fiancé give birth to their second child, his brother Gavin get married, and the football club he manages convincingly progress into the next round of the FA Vase.
On Saturday, Burnham FC – left in the capable hands of Manny Williams and Eliot Derby – picked up a superb 6-1 victory over Bedford FC at the 1878 stadium, while Blues brothers Ashleigh and Gavin were away with other duties.
The Burnham boss was due to be the best man at his brother’s wedding on Friday, however, in the early hours of the big day he was called to his partner’s side who eventually gave birth to their second daughter, Nella, in the afternoon.
As a result, Ashleigh missed the ceremony, had to deliver his best man’s speech in an iPhone voice note from the labour ward, but later attended the afterparty donning a tracksuit and trainers.
“It was a memorable day,” he laughed.
“I was preparing to be the best man at my brother’s wedding and my fiancé called me about 2 o’clock in the morning of his day, telling me it was happening.
“I left the hotel and went to her aid. She gave birth around 1.20pm so I missed the wedding or rather my best man duties. I had to do the speech over voice note in the labour ward after she gave birth.
“They kept her in overnight, so I was able
to get to the wedding about 8pm. I was in a tracksuit but at least I managed to make it out.
Ash added: “All in all, it was a good weekend.
“I’ve managed to watch our FA Vase match back on video and I am very impressed with how we did. Manny and Els were in charge, and they did a great job.
“The score was 2-1 at the break, but after that we demolished them (Bedford) really.
“I don’t think the result was ever in doubt. We were always confident going into it as we are in a league higher than them.
“In Bedford’s previous match, I think they had won 7-0 so we were a bit sceptical of what team could turn out for them. But, on the day, we were just too good for them.”